Number 713 - 22nd February 2014
Perspectives:
Alan Davies on Houdini. ITV has commissioned a brand new run of
films for its Perspectives documentary strand, bringing together
powerful stories and unique insights into the arts from a range of
well-known figures. Alan Davies on Houdini will transmit in the Spring.
Having had a huge fascination with the world of magic since he was
four-years-old, Alan Davies explores the extraordinary life of Harry
Houdini, the man who against the odds became one of the most successful
entertainers in the world. In a bid to understand why Houdini felt
compelled to perform such terrifying death defying acts, Alan tries to
hold his breath under ice cold water, lies on a bed of nails, gets
strung upside down in a straitjacket and takes an exclusive look at
David Copperfield's priceless collection of Houdini artefacts in Vegas.
22.2.14
The
78th British Ring Convention, September, Bournemouth. From the
organisers: The IBM British Ring is delighted to announce that Shawn
Farquhar will be attending the Bournemouth Convention (24th – 28th
September) in his capacity as International President, appearing in the
International Close Up Gala and also presenting his new lecture. Two
other lecturers will be Scott Penrose with his “Making Magic Magical”
and Ian Barradell with “Tenyo Magic”. This makes a fine start to the
lecture line up. The 'Gala of Youth' show, to date, will
feature The Amazing Morgan, Magic Nik, Elizabeth Rogan and Sebastian Walton.
Convention details are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk where you can also register online. The
lovely seaside town of
Bournemouth
awaits your company for a great few days of magic, so why not come along
and enjoy it. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
22.2.14
Tickets
are disappearing for one of the UK’s most popular magic conventions.
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival, which returns from
Friday March 14th, looks set to be a sell out and organisers South
Tyneside Council are encouraging those who haven’t booked yet to do so
quickly. The South Tyneside International Magic Festival, now in its
eleventh year, incorporates a week of activities for magic fans of all
ages. The three day convention, which runs primarily at the Customs
House, South Shields, is designed specifically for professional
performers and the most ardent magic fans and includes a variety of
lectures, workshops and live performances, as well as a dealer showcase.
This year’s convention, which runs until Sunday March 16th, will feature
appearances by award-winning American mentalists The Evasons (photo),
British magician Andi Gladwin, magic veteran Mark Setteducati, American
star Handsome Jack and Victorian-style double act Morgan & West, as well
as many more from around the world.
Tickets are priced at £65 for the three day event and include full
admission to all lectures, two gala shows and an exclusive Midnight show
by Simon Donald, co-founder of British comic magazine Viz. Anyone who
books before the end of February 2014 will be automatically entered into
a free draw to win an overnight stay at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.
For more information contact Karri Prinn at South Tyneside Council on
0191 4247986 or
karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk. More details can also be found at
www.southtynesidemagic.com.
22.2.14
Matthew
Wright Lecture Tour - Chester date added. A visit to Chester Guild
of Magicians, has been added to Matthew's February/March lecture tour.
See What's On for all
tour dates. "Matthew Wright, two-time FISM award winner and Magic
Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, is back in the UK in
February/March for a brand new lecture tour packed full of magic,
philosophy and humour. Anyone who has seen Matthew lecture knows that
the passion he has for performing and practising is transferred into his
teaching effortlessly. He will leave your club members with not only
some new skills and tricks, but also with the inspiration to go away and
practice what they already have."
22.2.14
Magicians
at the Half Moon, back for 2014. Andy Clockwise writes: "Now that
Christmas and the New Year is well and truly out of the way, the
Magicians at the Half Moon show will be re-appearing every last Friday
of each Month throughout 2014, starting with an explosive show on Friday
28th February with Martin Cox, Wayne Fox and Hugh Nightingale. Space is
limited at the Half Moon so it is always best to reserve your seats in
advance by dropping an email to Martin
martin@comedyofmagic.co.uk
or giving him a call on 01279 659562. The entry price is still £10 per
person and doors open at 7.30pm, with the show starting at 8pm. The Half
Moon, 31 North Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map).
As always, the best way to keep up to date with the Magicians at the
Half Moon is to visit
www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk."
22.2.14
Henry
Evans will be visiting the UK in October for his first magic lecture
tour since 2008. Henry is a world famous lecturer who has travelled
around the world since becoming the World Champion in Card Magic at FISM
2000. He has amazed both laymen and magicians with his devious mind,
producing miracles with cards, silks and coins, all with his own
particular twist. If you have never seen him lecturing before, you are
invited to share in his unique thinking. From clever uses of gimmicks to
effects with nothing more than a borrowed deck of cards, Henry’s
approach to magic is something not to miss. Henry will be lecturing at
the 2014 Blackpool Magicians' Convention. His tour will contain
different material." If you would like Henry to lecture at your club,
contact Sean Lobban
mistertall@mistertall.co.uk for details.
22.2.14
Jeff
McBride British Magical Society lecture. Paul Cadley writes: Tuesday
25th February 2014 – the British Magical Society is pleased to announce
the “After Blackpool” lecturer: Jeff McBride. If you only see one
lecture this year, this should be it! Non-members are invited to attend
for a modest £5 fee. 7.30pm at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly
Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map)
see
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
22.2.14
Days
of Wine and Magic. The Lecture. Tuesday, 4th March, Medway Magical
Society. Following the successful launch of his new book Days of
Wine and Magic, John Derris has agreed to give a special
presentation and demonstration of many of the items in the book,
gathered throughout the last sixty years. The book is a unique
collection of magic ideas, routines and presentations that he noted in
his meetings over the years in wine bars with Al Koran, Roy Walton, Jack
Avis, Alex Elmsley, Bobby Bernard, Ted Danson, John Ramsay, Patrick Page
and many other famed magicians of the past. A virtual notebook of
jottings that covers close-up, stage and mentalism as well as a mass of
performing tips, presentations and effects that John Derris used
professionally all over the world. John also has several excellent later
developments on some of the routines that were not in the original book.
The new book has already drawn critical acclaim. David Britland, noted
author and reviewer in Genii said "I really enjoyed it", top card
magician Roy Walton said "I recommend this book highly" and Nick Einhorn
said "a great addition to anyone's close-up or cabaret act". Visiting
Magicians are welcome to attend the lecture at a cost of just £10.
Contact Tim Decker for more details. Venue: Medway Magical Society, St.
George Hotel, 7-8 New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6BB (Map).
www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk.
22.2.14
Danny
Cole (USA), March 28th & 29th Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol:
Danny Cole has made a significant impact on the world of magic. He was
twice voted "Stage Magician of the Year" by the membership of the Magic
Castle in Hollywood, was a guest performer on Lance Burton's second
network special, and has consulted and created magic for many magicians.
Danny has been a featured performer in Gala shows and at Variety
Theatres around the globe. "His stylized approach to magic uses entirely
new concepts and principles thereby helping audiences to fully recognize
magic's place as a legitimate art form." March 28th & 29th, Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol,
book via:
www.brownpapertickets.com also see
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. (Note: Rob
James, March 7th, is now sold out).
22.2.14
The
Drummond Varieties, Aberdeen. Popular variety show, The Drummond
Varieties, returns to Aberdeen next week, hosted by local magician Eoin
Smith. Featuring the best in music, magic and comedy from around the
North East of Scotland, along with a delicious one-course meal, the show
will take place in Belmont Street’s Café Drummond at 8pm on Wednesday
26th February. Headlining the show is Scotland’s only blind comedian,
Neil Skene (photo). Also appearing are premier improv group Wildly
Unprepared; blues-rockers Strange Skies, and Irish comedian Lee Brophy.
Doors open at 8pm. Over 18s. Entrance to The Drummond Varieties costs £7
and includes a delicious one-course meal. Entrance without food is £5.
Tickets available on the door. For more information visit
www.facebook.com/thedrummondvarieties.
22.2.14
Conjuring
at the Court – London. "Legendary funny man and impressionist Bobby Davro returns to Conjuring
at the Court! A TV star with an amazing record including his own
Saturday night ITV shows, a year in EastEnders, appearances in Dancing
on Ice, and Your Face Sounds Familiar, and too many others to mention.
Bobby gave a surprise visit to the Court back in November, and had the
audience in stitches – a wonderful performer. Don’t miss him.
And there’s a terrific magical line-up too. The highly entertaining Lee
Hathaway (photo) has terrific stage presence and fooled Penn and Teller! Neil
Henry is an ingenious, engaging, performer with a devilish mind for
miracles. Oliver Tabor’s sumptuous musician / magician act is a treat
for the eyes and ears – a unique, clever, and delightful themed act. And
it’s a first outing at the Court for the sharp and witty magician Carl
Pettman whose dry sense of humour is a joy. Compered by the ebullient
extrovert co-producer, Stephen Barry. Drayton Court, 2 The
Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Thursday 27th February. Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at
8pm. Parking is free after 6.30pm. Come early to
enjoy dinner in one of the bars or the lovely dining room.
Tickets are still only £10 and likely to sell out. Book via
www.conjuringatthecourt.com."
Russell Levinson.
22.2.14
Northumberland
Village Varieties: "A full Variety Show is coming to Warkworth on
19th April, featuring 5 Star critically acclaimed performers from the
world of circus and cabaret. The show sold out last year. Expect acts
from a magnificent magician, a daring escapologist, an award-winning
comedian, a highly skilled juggler; plus live music and many more
surprises too! The show is being hosted and compered by local comedian
and crooner Alfie Joey, who is also co-host of BBC Radio Newcastle's
Breakfast Show." Venue: Warworth Memorial Hall, 40 Castle Street,
Warkworth NE65 0UN (Map)
7pm-11pm. Tickets from
www.chris-cross.co.uk.
22.2.14
Mark
James Lecture - Bexley Magic Society. David Klass writes: Bexley
Magic Society is delighted to host a lecture by Mark James on 5th March.
The first half of the lecture will be focused on stand up comedy magic
and the second half will concentrate on close up magic. The lecture will
also feature a 20 minute cabaret spot, from Mark’s act (not explained).
During the evening there will be a Q&A box for attendees to anonymously
ask any questions they may have. Mark will then answer any questions
that have been posted. Any question can be asked, about anything! There
will also be a fully stocked dealers stand from Darren at Warped Magic.
Venue: Bexley Club for the Disabled, Barton Close, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6
8JP (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Visiting magicians are very
welcome, for a £10 fee.
www.bexleymagic.org.uk.
22.2.14
Lee
Smith will be lecturing at The Mystic Ring on Thursday 6th of March.
Lecture starts at 8pm. All visiting magicians welcome, admission £5.00.
The Mystic Ring meet at Dunstable Conservative Club, 49 High Street
North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1JE (Map).
For further information email
themysticring@hotmail.com or visit
www.mysticring.co.uk. Steve Milroy, Club Secretary.
22.2.14
Andy
Reay Lecture. Home Counties Magical Society are proud to be hosting
a lecture by Andy Reay on street and trade show magic on Thursday 27th
February. Magical guests welcome for a £10 door charge, for more details
visit www.hcms.org.uk. Andrew Lewis.
22.2.14
John
Styles is currently appearing in 'The Magnificent Music Hall' show
at theatres around the South East, including The London Coliseum,
Wellingborough, Radlett, Swansea, Peterborough, Ipswich and Cardiff.
With dates in Leatherhead, Horsham, Lowestoft and Worthing in the
future. John's life story, by Mark Walker, appears in the current
edition of
Magicseen.
22.2.14
Simon
Sparkles in Wales. Need to keep the kids happy during the Welsh half
term? Here are two fun and free events that will do the trick: 'The
Simon Sparkles Magic & Laughter Show' on Wednesday 26th February,
1pm-1.45pm at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay (Glanfa 'public'
Stage), and 'Balloon Twisting, Strolling Magic and Face Painting' on
Thursday 27th February, 1pm-4pm at Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay. Free
admission for both events; everyone is welcome. For more info visit:
www.kids-magic-show.co.uk.
22.2.14
"Magician
Troy wows reporter with card trick"
Click Here • "Magician in miraculous escape after car flips at roundabout,
smashes into lamppost and grounds to halt on its roof"
Click Here • "Watch Leighton magician perform amazing illusion"
Click Here • "Magic as therapy: Professional magician delights physical
therapy students"
Click Here • "David Copperfield Sued For Allegedly Stiffing Vegas Show
Employees on Overtime"
Click Here • "Local Magic Man Performed for Madonna, Named Magician of the
Year"
Click Here • "A Look Inside Harry Houdini’s Scrapbooks"
Click Here • "Russell Davis by the numbers: Huntsville magician talks
'skeptical 10-year-old kids' and Flying Monkey Arts series"
Click Here • "Magicians could disappear from Raleigh Housing Authority
street signs"
Click Here • "Disneyland
on the cards?"
Click Here • "A quick look at Showzam", as seen by Geoffrey Newton
Click Here • "Magician David Blaine meets Rob Ford, upstaging candidate
David Soknacki"
Click Here • "David Blaine Does Grotesque Magic Trick"
Click Here • That's it for another week - your UK magic news is always
welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
22.2.14